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To the casual
browser in a music store, the cover to ‘Set on a
Hill’ by Chad Lawson might suggest a blues album
could be contained within. Certainly, the image of
the composer surrounded by traffic in the middle of
a busy American street (with not a hill in sight)
offers little hint to the serenity of the music to
be found on this wonderful gem of a CD.
Produced by
renowned Windham Hill founder Will Ackerman-
ensuring first class production values- the omens
looked good from the onset. I was, however,
pleasantly surprised by the variety and consistent
high standard found throughout this CD.
It opens with
‘Will’. One might assume this is dedicated to the
producer of the album as it is clear that Chad
Lawson holds the music-maestro in high esteem.
However, the title actually refers to an
individual's will- that is, what it is inside each
and everyone of us that controls what we do and do
not do. It is very much up to the individual
listener to conjure up their own images for this
piece, but I was struck by the slow tempo maintained
for the first six minutes. Could this be the
reflective side in each of us that consciously or
subconsciously considers past experiences to guide
our future paths? Minimalist in style, this piece is
incredibly relaxing. At six minutes, the tempo
changes and I love the flurry of notes that suggests
spontaneity- living for the moment. The piece soon
returns to its gentler original form. I adore this
track, and am impressed by the unhurried way in
which the story unfolds. The piece lasts
approximately nine minutes, giving the composer time
to tell the story and the listener the opportunity
to immerse themselves in the music.
‘Sojurn’ is
more upbeat. Reminding me a little of the style of
Wayne Gratz, the track is a melodic treat from start
to finish. This was one of the first pieces the
composer wrote when he decided to record the album-
the start of an incredible musical journey.
The story
behind Track 3, ‘Promise Made on Signal Mountain’ is
as touching as the music itself. The composer met
his wife's Grandfather only once before his passing-
at their home at the foot of Signal Mountain in
Tennessee. Together, the two sat by the fire where
the elderly gentleman asked only one thing of Chad;
that he take good care of his grand-daughter-
something he was only too pleased to do. Chad's
wife, Barbara, and her grandfather enjoyed an
exceptionally close relationship, and to this day he
regards it as an honour that he was accepted into
the family. Chad explains how his wife's grandmother
(known as Grams) is beautiful, generous and very
alert, and that each time he sees her, he is
reminded of the promise made that evening. This
composition is especially beautiful and somehow
manages to do justice to that special moment. This
is my favourite track on a CD packed with
highlights.
‘Change of
Season’ is a track that nearly never was! The
composer played around with the piece on a number of
occasions, feeling that it was ‘out of place’ on the
album. Eventually, he hit upon a version that more
suited the tranquil nature of the CD, and ironically
perhaps, it remains one of many highlights after
repeated listens! It's a curious track. From the
onset, it seems to tell a story, asking lots of
questions along the way. It's engaging, relaxing and
perfect chill-out material.
‘Set on a Hill’
is a thought-provoking piece, sometimes moody,
sometimes uplifting, hinting perhaps of other
musical genres. As the composer himself explains,
"Set on a Hill was never intended to be the album’s
title, but after hitting the last note, I knew it
encompassed exactly what I wanted to say with this
project." It is one of those pieces where the
listener should pour themselves their favourite
drink, sit back and let the music do its work.
Track 6,
‘Reflections’ is regarded by the composer to be the
least improvised piece of the entire album,
expressing a wish for the finished product to be
"clean in its presentation". The end result is a
short, delightful and simple melody; another most
pleasing piece to the ear.
‘She Walks in
Beauty (The Wedding Song)’, as the title would
suggest, is the piece to which Chad's then to-be
wife walked down the aisle. This composition is
every bit as gorgeous and touching as the special
moment which it represented. Chad regards it as an
honour to have written all the music for the wedding
of Barbara and himself, and reveals that the
original form of the composition included the
accompaniment of a violin. He intends to release
this version later in the year.
The penultimate
track of the CD is entitled ‘Passing Country’ and
was inspired by the breathtaking scenery that Chad
witnessed as he travelled through Spain at night.
"It was such a beautiful drive," reminisces Chad,
and the fond memories of that evening are reflected
in this gentle and heavenly composition.
‘A Goldfish
Named George’ is a title that will not grace too
many CD track lists, but here it is closing this
outstanding album. I thought at first the composer
was dedicating the final piece to a beloved pet, but
this is not the case! In fact, Chad was apparently
watching an old Audrey Hepburn film (the title of
which he is keeping close to his chest) and, in a
slightly surreal moment, imagined George the
Goldfish falling in love with another goldfish. Chad
puts this, er, original thought down to his British
humour- "I have a silly personality!" As a British
person myself, I agree this is entirely plausible,
or alternatively, it might have something to do with
what is on the table on the back cover!!! Either
way, it is fun way to close a remarkable CD, with
little flourishes capturing the fish's more
energetic moments.
I mentioned
earlier about the impressive variety within the CD,
whilst still maintaining an impeccably high standard
throughout and never deviating from a relaxing and
rewarding listening experience. This is reflected in
the number of composers that spring to mind when
listening to this CD. Ludovico Einaudi, Wayne Gratz,
Michael Gettel, Stephan Moccio and Michael Jones are
just some of the stellar artists that spring to
mind. Chad Lawson is in great company.
It is hoped to
conduct a Piano-Heaven interview with Chad over the
Summer. His story reminds me of Stephan Moccio's,
who has written music for many top-name artists,
including Céline Dion, but felt a calling to perhaps
get back to his roots and release his own album.
Chad has toured the world with Julio Iglesias, and
is part of a very successful jazz-band, but he too
has felt a calling. From the listener's perspective,
this is a very good thing, as Chad Lawson has an
undisputed gift with the piano, and has created a
stunning album from start to finish. No wonder it
has been nominated for Whisperings' ‘Album of the
Year’.
Chad's sense of
humour comes through clearly in his Biographical
notes on his web-site. Perhaps, on reflection, I
have been reading too much into the album's
cover....
I cannot praise
this CD highly enough. Any fan of relaxing, melodic
piano music should love this album. I give ‘Set on a
Hill’ my highest recommendation. “This is some of
the best music I’ve heard in years,” proclaims Will
Ackerman.
It is hard to
disagree.
S.C. |
